Program Overview

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Introduction to the Program

The University of York offers a comprehensive program in Physical Geography and Environment, providing students with a deep understanding of the physical environment and its effects on humans. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to address the world's environmental challenges.

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) is a four-year full-time program that explores the physical processes at work in our environment. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between the environment and humans, and learn to communicate complex ideas and persuasive arguments to professional and non-specialist audiences.

Course Content

The program is divided into four years, with a placement year in the third year. The course content includes:

• Year 1: Introduction to the basics of physical geography, including core modules such as Core Skills in Physical Geography, Environment, Development and Society, and Ecological Principles.
• Year 2: Development of knowledge in environmental geography, with core modules such as Water Environments, Glaciers, Ice Sheets and Climate Change, and option modules such as Megacities and Urbanisation, and Ecosystem Management and Conservation.
• Year 3: Placement year, where students will work in industry, government agencies, or environmental organizations, and develop practical skills and experience.
• Year 4: Specialization in physical geography and environment, with core modules such as Research Project, Natural Hazards and Mitigation, and option modules such as Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures, and Biodiversity and Society.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Debate, interpret, and explain the causes, scales, and impacts of environmental issues
• Obtain, synthesize, and critically evaluate complex information on environmental and physical geography
• Plan, design, and execute research in environmental geography
• Communicate knowledge, complex ideas, and persuasive arguments to professional and non-specialist audiences
• Recommend sustainable solutions to environmental problems

Fees and Funding

The annual tuition fees for the program are:

• UK (home) fees: £9,535
• International and EU fees: £32,350
• Fees for subsequent years may increase within the government fee cap
• Additional costs, such as field work and living expenses, will be incurred

Teaching and Assessment

The program will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips. Assessment will be based on coursework, closed examinations, and a combination of both.

Careers and Skills

Graduates of the program will be equipped with a range of skills, including:

• Project management
• Feasibility studies
• Data analysis
• Research skills
• Time management
• Career opportunities will be available in environmental conservation, policy analysis, flood risk management, and environmental consultancy

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the program is:

• AAB at A level, including Geography or Geology and a second science
• 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit or higher in the Access to Higher Education Diploma
• DD in the BTEC National Diploma, plus A level Geography or Geology
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Additional Requirements

Applicants should also have GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.

Alternative Offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify applicants for an alternative offer:

• Widening participation: BBC, including B in Geography or Geology, plus a second science
• Contextual offer: BBB, including Geography or Geology, plus a second science
• EPQ: C or higher in the EPQ, may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade below the typical offer
• Core Maths: B or higher in Core Maths, may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade below the typical offer
• MOOCs: completion of the online course Tackling environmental challenges for a sustainable future, may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade below the typical offer

Conclusion

The BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Environment (with a placement year) at the University of York provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical environment and its effects on humans. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to address the world's environmental challenges, and provides a range of career opportunities in environmental conservation, policy analysis, and environmental consultancy.